Holly5.3

Alright girlfriend! My hero! I'm working on hitting the 100 pound mark too, 6 pounds to go. What a fantastic accomplishment, sweetie! Keep up the great work!

I track Protein and watch calories. When my loss stopped for 2 months I realized I was allowing zero protein empty calories to fill me a lot if the time. It doesn't take much food of any type to fill me so I need to pay attention and be more mindful. Old habits die hard and eating whatever and whenever is what got me to almost 300 pounds! Also, dehydration will slow weight loss too so keep sipping sipping sipping!

Also an Ocober 2012 sleever, my loss plateaued and is finally picking up again but I'm only losing 3 pounds a month. Look at content of food. Empty calories are the killer! If I don't eat enough (no appetite plus it's too hot out) I actually gain weight! I went back on 2 Protein meals a day (a bar and a shake) light dinner and started the loss again. you must have enough protein, Water and Calcium supplements each day. Change your thoughts to positive affirmations, "I may have stalled but its temporary as my body adjusts but success in permanent weight loss is mine. I claim it. I'm living it and doing it!" You had the surgery- you can't give up, girlfriend! You CAN and WILL do it!!!

Dont worry! Once your natural Fiber intake increases with whole foods, you'll be less likely to get backed up. I suffered horribly during the Holidays (surgery in Oct. / Constipation started at 2-1/2 months). If I feel like I need to go but can't, I'll take Colace stool softeners for 1-2 days then I'm fine. salad def. helps, but I still can only eat 4-5 nice bites.

How's my fellow Octo-sleever's doing at the 9 month mark? Weight loss, for me, is still almost painfully slow...but any loss is a positive at this point in the game since my usual MO was to lose about 60-70 pounds, feel great (start looking better), then fall off the wagon-go back to my old eating (gorging, I should say!) habbits to slowly but surely gain it all back, and then some!! I have some "bad" days, but most days are terrific! Walking, swiming, just plain ole moving -- it's the best! Almost at my presurgery anniversay (8/10/12) and hope to have lost a total of 100 by then (from 278 to 178) but if I don't, it's cool. The weight IS coming off and at some point I will make it to 178! (A year ago, I would never have dreamed I'ld weigh under 200 pounds in a year-love it!)

Happy anniversary! You look gorgeous! Nothing worth having in life is easy! I too have my struggles withy sleeve (9 months post op), but I cod never have made it this far without the surgery! I too struggle with weight loss expectations, but I'm learning to not be so hard on myself. Self-hatred allowed me to rationalize eating myself to death. Now I too am busy living life. I haven't found much support in recent months for my posts, so I try not to post too often. I feel chatty today! Keep up the good work! You'll make your goal. Be patient! It's not a matter of 'if' you do -- but 'when'! So be kind to yourself!

Hey fabulous Fifties!! I will be 54 on July 23rd. Sleeved 9 months ago on Oct.11, 2013. Last August at my 1st Bariatric surgeon's visit, I weighed 278, and wore a Lane Bryant size 22-24, 2XL. Today, I weigh 188 and wear a women's Large, size 13-14 (Macy's size "0"X). I am a bit flabby, but I am so much smaller-I look a million times better! Pre-sleeve, I was always hot and sweaty, flushed, not feeling or looking well at all. What a difference a year makes! I feel 20 years younger!

Hey fabulous Fifties!! I will be 54 on July 23rd. Sleeved 9 months ago on Oct.11, 2013. Last August at my 1st Bariatric surgeon's visit, I weighed 278, and wore a Lane Bryant size 22-24, 2XL. Today, I weigh 188 and wear a women's Large, size 13-14 (Macy's size "0"X). I am a bit flabby, but I am so much smaller-I look a million times better! Pre-sleeve, I was always hot and sweaty, flushed, not feeling or looking well at all. What a difference a year makes! I feel 20 years younger!

Hey fabulous Fifties!! I will be 54 on July 23rd. Sleeved 9 months ago on Oct.11, 2013. Last August at my 1st Bariatric surgeon's visit, I weighed 278, and wore a Lane Bryant size 22-24, 2XL. Today, I weigh 188 and wear a women's Large, size 13-14 (Macy's size "0"X). I am a bit flabby, but I am so much smaller-I look a million times better! Pre-sleeve, I was always hot and sweaty, flushed, not feeling or looking well at all. What a difference a year makes! I feel 20 years younger!

When are we allowed potatoes and healthy carbs. - whole wheat Pasta, etc. A baked potato sounds like heaven on earth!

I thought I'ld start a thread asking for recipes for the puree stage that you couldn't have survived without. I started this stage yesterday and spent a good hour scrolling thru posts offering ideas before I went grocery shopping. I thank God for someone suggesting Hormel Chilis. They had turkey, beef and one can left of chicken and white bean. Had the chicken just now-heated about 2/3 cup in microwave. Put in Magic Bullet to puree. It looked weird but boy was it tasty! First thing I've eaten in about 5 weeks that satisfied my taste buds! I could only eat about 1/4 cup, so next time I know to heat up only 1/4 cup at a time until I can get more down.
For dinner, I'm making a ricotta cheese casserole, also an old recipe I found, so I can have Italian as everyone eats pizza after trick-or-treating!

Hey fabulous Fifties!! I will be 54 on July 23rd. Sleeved 9 months ago on Oct.11, 2013. Last August at my 1st Bariatric surgeon's visit, I weighed 278, and wore a Lane Bryant size 22-24, 2XL. Today, I weigh 188 and wear a women's Large, size 13-14 (Macy's size "0"X). I am a bit flabby, but I am so much smaller-I look a million times better! Pre-sleeve, I was always hot and sweaty, flushed, not feeling or looking well at all. What a difference a year makes! I feel 20 years younger!

This may not have been in my health's best interest (or my life's-for that matter), but I answered 'no' when asked if I "smoked" during the pre-op process. I don't smoke cigarettes so I answered 'No'. Period.
I had to take a pulmonary function test, cardiologist, bloodwork, etc. Nothing came up in my tests. I did have sleep apnea and was pre-diabetic-both conditions-gone since I've lost weight. I also had hiatal hernia repaired during the sleeve. I'm going to fess up-I've continued to enjoy my mj pretty regularly. If anything, it helps my asopgagus relax so I can eat. My sleeve is tight-I.e.; I ate one cheeseburger slider (out of the 3-burger serving). And 2 small pieces of calamari and 2 Stoli vodka and tonic with extra limes at my daughters graduation party yesterday. No desert-too full. A year ago at 278 pounds, I would have ate (and drank) until I was sick! Now I eat in moderation drink at least once on weekends, and smoke some weed. I've lost almost 90 pounds. Get hit on by men again (although I am happily married!) and feel 20 years old! (or at least 35! . Everyone is different. Marijuana works for me on a number of health issues (both physical and emotional). Thank God I had no complications post-op other than the small- ish sleeve! The food addiction is what was killing me slowly. I feel so much healthier now and vibrant with energy again! Every dr. is different. I wouldn't say anything and cut back before any tests. Good luck

This may not have been in my health's best interest (or my life's-for that matter), but I answered 'no' when asked if I "smoked" during the pre-op process. I don't smoke cigarettes so I answered 'No'. Period.
I had to take a pulmonary function test, cardiologist, bloodwork, etc. Nothing came up in my tests. I did have sleep apnea and was pre-diabetic-both conditions-gone since I've lost weight. I also had hiatal hernia repaired during the sleeve. I'm going to fess up-I've continued to enjoy my mj pretty regularly. If anything, it helps my asopgagus relax so I can eat. My sleeve is tight-I.e.; I ate one cheeseburger slider (out of the 3-burger serving). And 2 small pieces of calamari and 2 Stoli vodka and tonic with extra limes at my daughters graduation party yesterday. No desert-too full. A year ago at 278 pounds, I would have ate (and drank) until I was sick! Now I eat in moderation drink at least once on weekends, and smoke some weed. I've lost almost 90 pounds. Get hit on by men again (although I am happily married!) and feel 20 years old! (or at least 35! . Everyone is different. Marijuana works for me on a number of health issues (both physical and emotional). Thank God I had no complications post-op other than the small- ish sleeve! The food addiction is what was killing me slowly. I feel so much healthier now and vibrant with energy again! Every dr. is different. I wouldn't say anything and cut back before any tests. Good luck

This may not have been in my health's best interest (or my life's-for that matter), but I answered 'no' when asked if I "smoked" during the pre-op process. I don't smoke cigarettes so I answered 'No'. Period.
I had to take a pulmonary function test, cardiologist, bloodwork, etc. Nothing came up in my tests. I did have sleep apnea and was pre-diabetic-both conditions-gone since I've lost weight. I also had hiatal hernia repaired during the sleeve. I'm going to fess up-I've continued to enjoy my mj pretty regularly. If anything, it helps my asopgagus relax so I can eat. My sleeve is tight-I.e.; I ate one cheeseburger slider (out of the 3-burger serving). And 2 small pieces of calamari and 2 Stoli vodka and tonic with extra limes at my daughters graduation party yesterday. No desert-too full. A year ago at 278 pounds, I would have ate (and drank) until I was sick! Now I eat in moderation drink at least once on weekends, and smoke some weed. I've lost almost 90 pounds. Get hit on by men again (although I am happily married!) and feel 20 years old! (or at least 35! . Everyone is different. Marijuana works for me on a number of health issues (both physical and emotional). Thank God I had no complications post-op other than the small- ish sleeve! The food addiction is what was killing me slowly. I feel so much healthier now and vibrant with energy again! Every dr. is different. I wouldn't say anything and cut back before any tests. Good luck

Happy anniversary! You look gorgeous! Nothing worth having in life is easy! I too have my struggles withy sleeve (9 months post op), but I cod never have made it this far without the surgery! I too struggle with weight loss expectations, but I'm learning to not be so hard on myself. Self-hatred allowed me to rationalize eating myself to death. Now I too am busy living life. I haven't found much support in recent months for my posts, so I try not to post too often. I feel chatty today! Keep up the good work! You'll make your goal. Be patient! It's not a matter of 'if' you do -- but 'when'! So be kind to yourself!

8 months post-op on 6/11/13 - down 90 pounds. While this sounds like a lot, the loss has slowed down considerably the past 4 months, or so(down 2 up 1.5, down 3, up 1, etc., etc.) Since I've made it to onderland, its been hard to get below 190. Finally at 90 pounds lost total (since pre-op last August), weighin in at 188 on 6/11/13, I am nearing my 100 pound goal. Hope everyone is doing well. I feel and look younger than I have in years! It's been hard, but so worth it! Happy summer and last day of school (I work in an Elementary School office) - yipee!

8 months post-op on 6/11/13 - down 90 pounds. While this sounds like a lot, the loss has slowed down considerably the past 4 months, or so(down 2 up 1.5, down 3, up 1, etc., etc.) Since I've made it to onderland, its been hard to get below 190. Finally at 90 pounds lost total (since pre-op last August), weighin in at 188 on 6/11/13, I am nearing my 100 pound goal. Hope everyone is doing well. I feel and look younger than I have in years! It's been hard, but so worth it! Happy summer and last day of school (I work in an Elementary School office) - yipee!

8 months post-op on 6/11/13 - down 90 pounds. While this sounds like a lot, the loss has slowed down considerably the past 4 months, or so(down 2 up 1.5, down 3, up 1, etc., etc.) Since I've made it to onderland, its been hard to get below 190. Finally at 90 pounds lost total (since pre-op last August), weighin in at 188 on 6/11/13, I am nearing my 100 pound goal. Hope everyone is doing well. I feel and look younger than I have in years! It's been hard, but so worth it! Happy summer and last day of school (I work in an Elementary School office) - yipee!

8 months post-op on 6/11/13 - down 90 pounds. While this sounds like a lot, the loss has slowed down considerably the past 4 months, or so(down 2 up 1.5, down 3, up 1, etc., etc.) Since I've made it to onderland, its been hard to get below 190. Finally at 90 pounds lost total (since pre-op last August), weighin in at 188 on 6/11/13, I am nearing my 100 pound goal. Hope everyone is doing well. I feel and look younger than I have in years! It's been hard, but so worth it! Happy summer and last day of school (I work in an Elementary School office) - yipee!

8 months post-op on 6/11/13 - down 90 pounds. While this sounds like a lot, the loss has slowed down considerably the past 4 months, or so(down 2 up 1.5, down 3, up 1, etc., etc.) Since I've made it to onderland, its been hard to get below 190. Finally at 90 pounds lost total (since pre-op last August), weighin in at 188 on 6/11/13, I am nearing my 100 pound goal. Hope everyone is doing well. I feel and look younger than I have in years! It's been hard, but so worth it! Happy summer and last day of school (I work in an Elementary School office) - yipee!

8 months post-op on 6/11/13 - down 90 pounds. While this sounds like a lot, the loss has slowed down considerably the past 4 months, or so(down 2 up 1.5, down 3, up 1, etc., etc.) Since I've made it to onderland, its been hard to get below 190. Finally at 90 pounds lost total (since pre-op last August), weighin in at 188 on 6/11/13, I am nearing my 100 pound goal. Hope everyone is doing well. I feel and look younger than I have in years! It's been hard, but so worth it! Happy summer and last day of school (I work in an Elementary School office) - yipee!

Good morning. I, too, was obsessed with "how much did I lose compared to X?" "How much should I be losing per week/month/year...?" Now, at 6+ months post-op I've given up the numbers game. It gets discouraging when it shouldn't be. Everyone starts at a different BMI and pre-op diet weight. Not everyone can eat the same foods post-op, so to compare ourselves is kind of comparing apples to oranges. Right after surgery, my monthly average was 12 pounds (Oct-Nov-Dec-Jan). Since January, my monthly average is about 7 pounds, which is cool - I'm not 278 pounds any more, the weight loss should slow down with a lower BMI! Now, I'm happy if I've lost 5 pounds in a month. I don't "exercise", but I am 200% more active than I was a year ago. I just bought a Mommy bike on Sunday and will ride around for leisure. I was never a "gym rat" before, so I don't see joining a gym as something that I would continue with as a life-style. Dancing, walking, gardening, bicycling....all activities I was too heavy to enjoy before. Now my life has fitness built right in - that's a lifestyle change I can maintain!

I was sleeved on 10/11/12. I agree with the above poster as well...we took diet pills, ate crazy foods (cabbage Soup, lemon/hot sauce, etc....) so we are willing to suffer for "beauty" as it were - but only for a temporary time. Diligence and stick-to-it-ness is a great feeling (after having surgery, we really don't have a choice but to make the best of it) - I am embracing my strength to get through the tough days (I want to eat a cow -- or a bag of Cheetos, whatever). I look at it as a way for me to get back the self-respect I lost through self-destructive behaviors, food and others....

Remember, "slow and steady wins the race" every time! The turtle is consistant, whereas the hare peters out faster. I've lost weight "fast" in the past, and regained it even faster. WLS puts an end to that yo-yo, roller-coaster ride. Stop reading numbers and tap in to how you feel....Feeling is real, numbers are just symbols.